Common name:

Purple Loosestrife

Family:

Lythraceae

Size:

0.6–1.5m x 1m

Description:

Erect perennial herb with angular stems, dying back after flowering

Leaves:

Stem-clasping egg-shaped to oblong or lance-shaped leaves 1.5–7cm x 3–15mm, in pairs, occasionally 3's

Flowering:

Stalkless axillary clusters of 3–5 small tubular flowers forming a terminal leafy spike

Flower colour:

Purple to magenta

Flowering time:

September to March

Growing conditions:

Shallow water and swampy soils in wetlands; frost tolerant; full sun, semi-shade

Garden use:

A most attractive wetland plant with well displayed flowers. Grow in and beside shallow ponds. Prune back to rootstock after flowering.

Conservation status:

Locally common within its preferred growing conditions

Commercially available:

Generally

Bird attracting:

No

Butterfly attracting:

Food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies

Frog habitat:

No